Finding beauty in the little things

Eighteen-year-old Goepel battled with depression and a sense of being lost that resulted in self-destructive behavior like cutting. But that’s not the optimistic girl getting ready to graduate from Burlingame High School. Instead, Goepel will talk passionately about creative outlets — writing, drama and art — as a way to acknowledge those around her and to inspire them to see more in themselves.

"Honestly, Drea is simply amazing,” said her counselor Tammy Esrailian. "She is a resilient, independent, mature, articulate, amazing person and I am so proud of her strength and courage. She epitomizes to me what it means to persevere through a challenge. She always keeps walking, if that makes sense, because she knows she’ll get to the other side.”

Strangely, it was a negative experience with an adult figure in her life that led to the turn around. Goepel realized the importance of taking responsibility for herself. If she wants something, including a better life, it was up to her to work for it. So she did, almost too much. Today Goepel is still trying to find the balance, but excited to do so on her own.

"It’s unbelievable,” Goepel said of her success in completing high school. "It’s gratifying. And, because I thought as a little kid I wouldn’t make it through high school, I feel invincible.”

Goepel was raised in the same house in Burlingame her entire life, but is part of a large family. She has 13 brothers and sisters, most step or half. And she’s second to last in the mix. Her parents split at a young age, and Goepel has spent most her life living with her mom.

A self-described dork as a youth, Goepel wasn’t into school while attending Washington Elementary or Burlingame Intermediate and spent little time after on campus.

Goepel did start writing before entering high school, but otherwise had little knowledge of her extracurricular interests when planning classes for Burlingame High. Her older half sister Loretta, now 32, encouraged Goepel to give art a try.

All she could draw at the time was an eye.

"My sister fueled my fire for anything I wanted to do,” Goepel said.

The idea was a wonderful one. Goepel found a home in art classes, not only through creative expression but also through friendships. Today, she’s expanded her creative outlets to include paintings. Even one of her jobs, working at a pottery-painting store All Fired Up helps fuel the artistic flames.

It was at the end of Goepel’s freshman year that another sister had her help with behind-the-scenes work in the school production. It was another fit for Goepel, who began doing technical work for productions the following year. She still holds the position.

Goepel has also held outside jobs since she was young. She baby-sat at first, and started working at All Fired Up about two years ago. Last summer, she took on a second job as a hostess at the Sherman Restaurant. Finally, she began working as a nanny for a local family.

Money was tight at home and Goepel felt the need to help where she could, but also provide for herself. With that drive, she kept the jobs when she started senior year.

Her body began to show signs of fatigue as a result of the stressful scheduling, which sometimes kept Goepel from going to class. Friends finally pulled her aside and pointed out a need to slow down, something on which she’s still working.

Instead of working hard at multiple jobs, Goepel is planning for the summer and life ahead. She will attend a local community college in the fall where she could study one of many topics. Ultimately, she wants to use technology and art to help others express themselves, not necessarily through creating art, but at the very least the enjoyment of it.

Getting there was a challenge financially that Goepel wasn’t sure she could meet until Career Center Advisor Lori Friel gave some help.

Friel described Goepel as a bright, outgoing, optimistic and artistic girl with a wonderful spirit.

"She’s a true success story,” said Friel.

Until Goepel figures out what to do with education, she will be bringing her love of finding inspiration in little things to others. If you see a girl this summer with a sign who says you’re beautiful, it just might be Goepel.

The Burlingame High School graduation is 4 p.m. Friday, May 28 at the stadium, 1 Mangini Way. Tickets are required.

Great Grads is in its fifth year profiling one graduating senior from each of our local schools. Schools have the option to participate. Those that choose to participate are asked to nominate one student who deserves recognition.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.